The term "nearest" in the Bible often refers to proximity, whether in terms of physical distance, familial relationships, or spiritual closeness. The concept of nearness is significant in understanding various biblical themes, such as community, kinship, and the relationship between God and His people.

Physical Proximity

In the context of physical distance, "nearest" can describe the closeness of locations or objects. For example, in the Old Testament, cities of refuge were established so that someone who had accidentally killed another could flee to the nearest city for safety (Numbers 35:11-12). This provision underscores the importance of accessibility and protection within the community.

Familial Relationships

The Bible frequently uses "nearest" to describe familial relationships, emphasizing the responsibilities and duties that come with kinship. In Leviticus 25:25, the nearest relative, or kinsman-redeemer, is called upon to redeem a family member's property if they fall into financial hardship: "If your brother becomes impoverished and sells some of his property, his nearest relative is to come and redeem what his brother has sold." This law highlights the importance of family support and the preservation of inheritance within the Israelite community.

Spiritual Closeness

Spiritually, nearness to God is a central theme throughout Scripture. The Psalms often express a longing for closeness to God, as seen in Psalm 73:28: "But as for me, it is good to draw near to God. I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may proclaim all Your works." This verse reflects the belief that spiritual nearness to God brings security and purpose.

The New Testament further develops this theme, emphasizing that through Jesus Christ, believers can draw near to God. Hebrews 10:22 encourages believers to "draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and our bodies washed with pure water." This passage highlights the transformative power of faith in Christ, which allows believers to approach God with confidence.

Community and Neighborliness

The concept of nearness also extends to the idea of neighborliness and community. Jesus' teaching in the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) redefines the notion of "neighbor" to include anyone in need, regardless of ethnic or social boundaries. The Samaritan's actions demonstrate that true neighborliness is characterized by compassion and mercy, transcending mere physical proximity.

Conclusion

In summary, the biblical concept of "nearest" encompasses various dimensions of proximity, from physical and familial to spiritual and communal. It underscores the importance of relationships, both human and divine, and calls believers to live in a way that reflects God's love and care for those around them.7130. qereb -- inward part, midst
... From qarab; properly, the nearest part, ie The center, whether literal, figurative
or adverbial (especially with preposition) -- X among, X before, bowels, X ...
/hebrew/7130.htm - 6k

7138. qarob -- near
... Usage about (1), close (2), close relative (1), closer (1), draws near (1), hand
(1), kinsmen (1), lately (1), near (47), nearby (1), nearest (6), neighbors (2 ...
/hebrew/7138.htm - 6k

Nearest to Christ
... XVIII to XXVIII NEAREST TO CHRIST. ... It is well that you should want it,"not for the
sake of being above your brethren, but for the sake of being nearest to Me. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/nearest to christ.htm

The Gnostic Aims at the Nearest Likeness Possible to God and his ...
... Book VII. Chapter III."The Gnostic Aims at the Nearest Likeness Possible to God
and His Son. Now I pass over other things in silence, glorifying the Lord. ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter iii the gnostic aims at.htm

"Himself is Nearest and Meekest, Highest and Lowest, and Doeth All ...
... THE SIXTEENTH REVELATION CHAPTER LXXX "Himself is nearest and meekest, highest and
lowest, and doeth all." Love suffereth never to be without Pity". ...
/.../julian/revelations of divine love/chapter lxxx himself is nearest.htm

"Well Then, when I Entered Upon the Nearest Parts of the Desert...
... Dialogues of Sulpitius Severus. Chapter XIII. "Well then, when I entered
upon the nearest parts of the desert? "Well then, when ...
/.../severus/life and writings of sulpitius severus /chapter xiii well then when.htm

At this Time, Mardoch??us was among those Nearest to the King...
... Book II. Chapter XIII. At this time, Mardoch??us was among those nearest
to the king? At this time, Mardoch??us was among those ...
/.../severus/life and writings of sulpitius severus /chapter xiii at this time.htm

Socrates was Wont to Say --They are Most Happy and Nearest the ...
... THE FIRST CENTURY 40 Socrates was wont to say"They are most happy and nearest
the gods that needed nothing. Socrates was wont to ...
/.../traherne/centuries of meditations/40 socrates was wont to.htm

Concerning that Philosophy which Has Come Nearest to the Christian ...
... Book VIII. Chapter 9."Concerning that Philosophy Which Has Come Nearest
to the Christian Faith. Whatever philosophers, therefore ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 9 concerning that philosophy which.htm

That Created Nature Differs Infinitely from Uncreated Being; to ...
... to the assembly of the saints." Chapter XIV."That Created Nature differs infinitely
from Uncreated Being; to which Man makes the Nearest Approach by a Life ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/chapter xiv that created nature differs.htm

The Fourfold Message.
... picture. This serving King is nearest of kin to us! ... masterpiece. This King who serves,
and is nearest of kin to us, is also nearest of kin to God. ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks on johns gospel/the fourfold message.htm

Elucidations.
... some think. I suppose, rather, he consults, as Cyprian did, the bishop of
the nearest Apostolic See, and awaits his concurrence. It ...
/.../thaumaturgus/canonical epistle of gregory thaumaturgus/elucidations.htm

Nearest (22 Occurrences)
...Nearest (22 Occurrences). ... (BBE NAS NIV). Exodus 26:17 Every board is to be joined
to the one nearest to it by two tongues, and so for every board in the House. ...
/n/nearest.htm - 13k

Goel
... from its common usage is frequently employed in connection with Hebrew law, where
it is the technical term applied to a person who as the nearest relative of ...
/g/goel.htm - 11k

Next (799 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (superl.) Nearest in place; having no similar object
intervening. 2. (superl.) Nearest in time; as, the next day or hour. ...
/n/next.htm - 7k

Uprights (20 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 40:31 The covered way was on the side nearest the outer square; and there
were palm-trees on the uprights: and there were eight steps going up to it. ...
/u/uprights.htm - 12k

Avenger (18 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Avenger of blood. (Hebrews goel, from verb gaal, "to be
near of kin, " "to redeem"), the nearest relative of a murdered person. ...
/a/avenger.htm - 17k

Lawyer (5 Occurrences)
... Whenever doubt arose regarding the application of the law to a particular case,
the question was referred to the nearest lawyer; by him to the nearest company ...
/l/lawyer.htm - 14k

Inner (141 Occurrences)
... (WEB RSV NIV). Exodus 28:26 Then make two gold rings and put them on the lower ends
of the bag, at the edge of it on the inner side nearest to the ephod. ...
/i/inner.htm - 37k

Refuge (111 Occurrences)
... 2. Purpose: From time immemorial in the East, if a man were slain the duty of avenging
him has lain as a sacred obligation upon his nearest relative. ...
/r/refuge.htm - 41k

Courts (59 Occurrences)
... meetings of the "Doctors." Whenever a case arose concerning which there had been
no clear legal decision, the question was referred to the nearest lawyer; by ...
/c/courts.htm - 33k

Cow (32 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 21:3 And whichever town is nearest to the body, the responsible men
of that town are to take from the herd a young cow which has never been used ...
/c/cow.htm - 18k

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